ESSENCE Street Style Awards

ESSENCE Street Style Awards

ESSENCE 25 Most Stylish: Halima Aden Is Breaking Cultural Barriers In High Fashion And Making No Apologies

ESSENCE.COMAug, 31, 2018

Hear more from Halima Aden and see who else made the ESSENCE 25 Most Stylish list in our September issue, on newsstands now!

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We recently announced our first-ever ESSENCE 25 Most Stylish List, featuring some of our favorite trendsetters and style mavens who slay from head to toe on any and every occasion.

Stunning fashion model Halima Aden took the pageant world by storm in 2016 when she became the first contestant to wear a hijab during the Miss Minnesota USA competition. Fast forward to 2018 and the proud Somali-American beauty is now a part of the IMG family, a runway favorite of every fashion week from New York to London, and one of the most sought-after models in the business.

Scroll through to learn a little more about Halima and then be sure to grab your tickets to our 2018 ESSENCE Street Style Block Party, celebrating all things unique about Black fashion, beauty and style this September in NYC.

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What was your most memorable fashion moment?

"My very first show ever, walking exclusively for Yeezy Season 5 at New York Fashion Week. It's also when my first [magazine] cover was about to come out and when I signed with IMG Models. Good things come in threes."

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What's the best style advice you’ve ever been given?

"There is no need to conform or change yourself to fit into the world of fashion. There is a place for women who look like me and dress like me in the industry."

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Pietro D'aprano

Describe your personal style

"Modest - classy, but a little edgy!"

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Who are your personal style icons or inspirations?

"Rihanna, Iman, Carine Roitfeld."

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When did you know black was beautiful?

"I've never felt more beautiful than when I took the stage at the Miss Minnesota USA pageant and heard the roaring applause while wearing my hijab and burkini, a fully covered swimsuit often worn by Muslim women."

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What's the best thing you purchased this year so far?

"Classic pair of Louboutin black heels--they will never go out of style!"

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What do you want your style to convey to the world?

"Modesty can be for anyone, not just Muslim women. It can also be very fashion-forward!"